30G finally set up

Well here we go after a long time of reading up and envying everyone elses tanks, I have managed to set my own up.

I've started relatively small as it is all I can fit in this room, wish I could have gone bigger, but who knows what the future has in store

Here are a few pics, not very clear atm, perhaps its my lighting? or maybe the water just needs to settle.
Anyway, In here I have got:
50lbs of Carribean Live Sand
10Kg (not sure what that is in pounds) of Live Rock. I spoke to the guy in the shop and I was told it is Un-cured Figian rock, wasnt to happy about it being uncured but it is the best rock I can get in my area for at least 100miles!


I added the sand first, then built up my landscape with the LR, but as I added the water, the sand moved around a bit and alot of my scape fell over So im waiting for the water to clear up a bit more before I change it again.

From this DT I have a overflow box which is going to a Small Sump.
In the Sump:

about 1kg of LR
120 v2 Skimmer
150v Heater
return pump


My overflow box has a minature air leak on a corner, so as time progresses the build up of air is getting to much. I will have to stop the over flow for tonight and the return and buy some sealant to fix this tiny hole. lol

Something I have noticed is lots of small debris and well... crap from the rock sitting around on the sand. Will the CuC remove this when I add them? or should I remove it manually?

Anyway hope you enjoy what I have to show, and I will keep posting regular updates for advice etc.

I havent of yet taken any water reading, I will start that tomorrow. One more thing I didn't think about buying till I got home was a bottle of those Cycle things, to help increase the build up of friendly bacteria. do you recremend I go out and buy some?

 

For cycling,just throw a raw shrimp in there and leave it till the bacteria consume it,took my tank about 4 weeks to cycle.Your liverock dieoff will also help the cycle,but may take a little longer.However i like the rock formation.Looks like your off to a good start,just keep reading on here and ask questions,there are many helpful,knowledgable people here that will always help out.

 

Thanks man, There are a few gaps where I would rather see rock in my formation at the moment, I will probably fix it.
Thanks for the advice on the shrimp. Will fetch some tomorrow.

Cant wait untill this bad boy has cycled! haha... now to play the waiting game.... again

 

just make sure its raw shrimp. but i like your scaping look , very interesting. just make sure its secure . dont want any rocks slides. lol. with it being uncured rock , it might take longer to cycle. are you using liquid tests? those are alot more stable than the strips , you dont get very reliable readings from them. but sounds like youve got the patience thing going on . congrats on that. good luck with it , thnmx for the pics and keep us updated.

 

Raw shrimp, noted
How do you mean make sure its secure? by use of drilling? or other method?
And all liquid tests mate.
Yep I expect the cycle to take 4weeks to 6 with this rock. We will see
Shall post some test results tomorrow

 

just make sure its not tippy. you could use zip ties to make them stay together. or reef putty. good stuff with the liquid . cheers sabe

 

assuming the rock work is secure I would not change a thing! it looks rly good! great job!

 

I like the scape too! You should be proud! It took me 4-5. Tries to get it right. Yours looks pretty good!.

Keep the pics coming when everything settles.
Good luck

 

Woke up this morning and it looked beautiful!!
Unfortunately I was in a rush to get to work, so I will post a update picture tonight

 

Looks good Sabe

where in England are you located?

Steve